CVA wrestler sacrifices win in act of sportsmanship

A local wrestler received a standing ovation and is getting national attention for an incredible act of sportsmanship. Central Valley Academy sophomore, Marek Bush, turned down his opponent's forfeit and took the loss himself.

Posted: Jan 10, 2019 6:43 PM

Updated: Jan 11, 2019 1:08 PM

Posted By: Alicia Daddario

Central Valley Academy wrestler, Marek Bush, may not have won the 44th annual Leo Sammon Memorial Tournament held, but he definitely came out a winner.

Bush battled against Indian River's Logan Patterson who held a commanding 5-0 lead just as the match came to a screeching halt. Patterson as awarded two points but not before a painful injury.

"He posted his arm and I think he dislocated his elbow or sprained it," said Marek. "Then I heard him scream he just rolled off, holding his elbow, screaming."

After the injury, everyone expected Bush to complete the comeback win. But that's not what happened.

"Actually, I was working with the injured wrestler," said Thunder coach and dad Bob Bush. "My assistant coach was speaking with Marek. I didn't know it until I looked back at the film but he was visibly shaken by the whole incident when he went back out. I turned to him to tell him not to do anything. Before I could say a word, he said 'I got this dad, I know what to do.'"

With the final 30 seconds ticking away, Bush did something not many kids would do. He laid on the mat and allowed Patterson to finish the win he earned."

"I already sent my shot," added Marek. "If I was gonna win the match I already sent it. I sent a big throw and it didn't work so he won that match. If he didn't get hurt, he probably would've just won the match fair and square. He deserved that win, that was all his match. He dominated the entire time."

As a coach and as a dad, Bob Bush could not have been more proud.

"Very proud," said Bob. "Obviously he's gonna make the right decisions in life if he's making decision like this now as a 10th grader."

The most impressive part of it all, it was a split second decision made without hesitation.

"Winning isn't everything in the sport of wrestling," said Marek. "There's more to the sport than getting your hand raised at the end of the match. And it shows who you are as a person not just winning the match."